Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I'm curious how this will stack up against the Surface Pro 4.

(In terms of size, specs, battery life, etc... obviously the sales will be much better)

Agreed. I'm in the market for one or the other this year. I'd really prefer an iPad Pro because Apple's iPad hardware is just so first rate, and I'd rather have ARM than Intel on such a portable device, but with no stylus I'm going with Surface Pro. Tired of waiting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: V.K.
Yes. Yes they are. Focusing on a few products, and making them REALLY good, is what helped Apple come back from a very bleak place. And they are getting further and further away from that philosophy, it seems. Hopefully, history won't repeat itself.
iPad sales are starting to flatline, and a newer more powerful iPad is not a bad idea.

I just want to see the specs and hope it is running OSX. So it can replace my PC laptops.
 
  • Like
Reactions: StoneJack
This has been said a millions times already, but I'm really hoping for a surface pro alternative, on the verge of selling my MacBook Air for one but can't deal with using windows.
 
will definitely be purchasing one if and only if it comes with a pen with at least as good precision as those of Wacom.

I mean really what's the point if it only runs standard iOS applications?

This has been said a millions times already, but I'm really hoping for a surface pro alternative, on the verge of selling my MacBook Air for one but can't deal with using windows.

Ironically Windows is actually must more stable these days and arguably a better operating system than OS X. I'm seriously considering switching to Windows :(

Hopefully this iPad Pro turns out to be a full OS X machine and not a glorified iPad.
 
In 10 years Scott Forstall will return to take Apple from near bankruptcy just like Steve did in the late 90s. Mark my words.

And you'll be a billionaire.

http://www.theoptionsguide.com/bearish-trading-strategies.aspx

Enjoy spending all that money.


I mean really what's the point if it only runs standard iOS applications?

He explained in the post you replied to:

"only if it comes with a pen with at least as good precision as those of Wacom".

One would assume apps, particularly those used for drawing would be updated to harness any new hardware functionality.
 
Same here. Not a single feature mentioned yet that makes it "pro" just more nonsense about styluses and content creation that magically never happened for the current iPad lineup, which is why it's dying. I'm not sure what Apple expected to accomplish by putting a crippled blown-up phone OS onto a tablet, but the sales trends aren't surprising.

Call it the iPad Maxi. It's a more fitting name.

You may be getting ahead of yourself there, Apple haven't even announced it yet at least give them the chance to do that and see for yourself what they announce. Rumours are not always correct, Apple could have features that are part of IOS 9.1 designed just for the iPad Pro, there is also the rumoured USBC port (not confirmed) but these are all rumours who knows what Apple is going to do.
 
Computing products mature, and then come in a wider range of screen sizes.

This is no shock. And no shock that each size has its fans, and has people who prefer something larger or smaller.

No need to panic: adding a screen size to an existing product line does NOT prevent Apple from also working on other things at the same time. I bet they are.

P.S. I just borrowed a high-end 2014 Windows tablet from someone for a while.... GOOD GRIEF. The experience is awful! If I ever thought it made sense to merge a mouse OS and a touch OS, I'm cured now... And the thing is slow, heavy as a boat anchor, full of ugly vents and creaky seams, and the screen quality is poor. I'm sure it has a niche where it's the right tool, but wow... not a tablet for most people to consider. And naturally, the physical keyboard was optional and not included. It could have at least been a slow laptop, but no... I hate the thing. I thought I'd use it for an extra screen to test web sites, but typing a URL is almost impossible: closing the keyboard closes the page you just went to, half the time (Explorer) because the touch sensitivity is so inaccurate and laggy! This thing literally feels 10 years behind my iPad Air. BUT: it has a nice-feeling stylus, very big screen! Just over 13". Put a QUALITY 13" screen in a fast, light iOS device, and I think I might love it. I know artists will!

I do not care about USB-C (but it beats old-style USB). A tablet is best light and mobile, not tethered by cords to other stuff. I'll stick with wireless.
 
I do love that all of the displays of this still show 4 icons at the bottom.

For me, a tablet must:
1. Have a stylus. I haven't used my fingers to draw stuff since I lived in a cave, back around 200,000 years ago. The pen/stylus is one of those inventions that has stood the test of time. Even those "sign with your finger as a pen" POS terminals are obtuse.
2. Have a better OS, like OS X. I don't want to be playing around with a 12" iPhone.
3. Allow a mouse/trackpad. When drawing with a CAD program, that whole "hand" thing gets in the way while I am drawing.
4. Allow windows. To me, a single/dual app model is like working in a book, where only one/two pages can be displayed. Having multiple windows is the way to do it, so I can collect ideas from all over, and arrange them my way. Not that my way is the best for you, but it is the best for me.
Completely agree.

This will give users that are considering other tablets a reason to look at the iPad Pro. IMHO, I don't believe that this should simply be a larger iPad running iOS.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JeffyTheQuik
I think you're going to be very disappointed.

Sounds like a Surface Pro would fit your needs way better than the iPad Pro if rumours are to be believed.

That's the thing... Even a 9.7" iPad is a a bit much to hold and use, and to put it on a table to use is a bit clunky without several add-ons. And then, you're stuck in a keyboard/touchscreen conundrum, where the ergonomics are a bit quirky, as opposed to the keyboard/mouse ergonomics, where you are moving your hands within their arc of movement, and the translation between the cursor and the screen is intuitive. Going to 12" or more wouldn't solve these issues.

So you're right, a Surface Pro type of device looks to be one that I'd want to use.
 
There are a couple reasons my work place won't buy the current iPad to give to scientists / workers in the field. They could be convinced to go with an iPad in line of business with...
  • Sapphire screen for durability (is that possible?)
  • Built in NFC RF maybe barcode reader

Unless you buy a rugged laptop/tablet, the screens are just not durable. You can always layer a third party screen protector on a Microsoft Surface/iPad to increase the durability somewhat.

As for barcode reader, that won't happen on a consumer device. Saying that, there are several third party options that connect via Bluetooth.
 
He explained in the post you replied to:

"only if it comes with a pen with at least as good precision as those of Wacom".

One would assume apps, particularly those used for drawing would be updated to harness any new hardware functionality.

That seems to target a very niche market (i.e. artists). And aren't' there already bluetooth pens available with decent resolution already?
 
I do love that all of the displays of this still show 4 icons at the bottom.

For me, a tablet must:
1. Have a stylus. I haven't used my fingers to draw stuff since I lived in a cave, back around 200,000 years ago. The pen/stylus is one of those inventions that has stood the test of time. Even those "sign with your finger as a pen" POS terminals are obtuse.
2. Have a better OS, like OS X. I don't want to be playing around with a 12" iPhone.
3. Allow a mouse/trackpad. When drawing with a CAD program, that whole "hand" thing gets in the way while I am drawing.
4. Allow windows. To me, a single/dual app model is like working in a book, where only one/two pages can be displayed. Having multiple windows is the way to do it, so I can collect ideas from all over, and arrange them my way. Not that my way is the best for you, but it is the best for me.
You just described Microsoft's Surface.
 
  • Like
Reactions: seankovacs
Not sure what to make of this. I already find the iPad Air to be somewhat oversized and uncomfortable to hold for long periods in comparison to the iPad Mini. I'm all for choice, but interested to see how they sell this iPad Pro.
 
P.S. I just borrowed a high-end 2014 Windows tablet from someone for a while.... GOOD GRIEF. The experience is awful! If I ever thought it made sense to merge a mouse OS and a touch OS, I'm cured now... And the thing is slow, heavy as a boat anchor, full of ugly vents and creaky seams, and the screen quality is poor.

It's not a Microsoft Surface was it? Also, Windows tablets are surprisingly fast - I had a 8" one with an Atom processor and was pleasantly surprised it could run Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and other applications pretty decent. Screen wasn't great, but it was only $350.00 CAD. I've since sold it and returned back to my iPad. but Windows tablets aren't that bad.

You just described Microsoft's Surface.

Yes, which is a great device, except it's not integrated into Apple's ecosystem (i.e. AirPlay, HandOff, Continuity, etc.).
 
Wonder what the price will be on the iPad Pro? if it's anything like the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus it will be a £100 (and $100) premium, so maybe it will start at £$499
Guessing, around the pricing of Microsoft Surface.
 
That seems to target a very niche market (i.e. artists). And aren't' there already bluetooth pens available with decent resolution already?

Not necessarily. A stylus opens up a whole lot of other uses as well, from not taking to filling out forms, etc. Personally, I'd love to see a return to a Graffiti style alphabet for HWR. I used it on the Palm and it was a really good tool for taking notes and entering information. It didn't take much to learn and on you were proficient with it it worked well. A full screen graffiti recognition system would be very interesting, but I doubt it happens.
 
Personally, I'd love to see a return to a Graffiti style alphabet for HWR.

Considering that iOS has configurable keyboards, perhaps it would allow 3rd party recognition engines as well. I was a Graffiti user for several years (USR Palm Pilot 5000, Palm V, Palm III, Handspring Prism), and found the recognition and usability of Graffiti to be pretty decent for that era. Recently I've tried natural handwriting on Windows and it's pretty decent - accuracy is on par with Graffiti and my handwriting isn't all that good.
 
Last edited:
what makes an iPad a "pro" would include --
  • larger screen
  • removeable keyboard cover
  • usb-c instead of lightning
  • 2 gig of Ram (minimum)
  • 64 gig storage (minimum)
A bigger ipad with but lacking the other items is just a ipad plus. Here is to hoping that we get a "pro" and not a "plus"
 
  • Like
Reactions: Oblivious.Robot
It's not a Microsoft Surface was it? Also, Windows tablets are surprisingly fast - I had a 8" one with an Atom processor and was pleasantly surprised it could run Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and other applications pretty decent. Screen wasn't great, but it was only $350.00 CAD. I've since sold it and returned back to my iPad. but Windows tablets aren't that bad.



Yes, which is a great device, except it's not integrated into Apple's ecosystem (i.e. AirPlay, HandOff, Continuity, etc.).
Exactly my point, Applle needs to move away from IOS on the Pro or enterprise devices. Then your problem with integration solved.
 
View attachment 576275


I wonder if this is still Apple's attitude/thinking towards styli?
If it applies to all touchscreen devices/screen sizes – or if they think phones and tablets are different?

I'd like for them to make an official stylus and wonderful built in hard/software-support and storage for it – it doesn't have to be included with the devices, but for people who wants it, make it available.

At the time he said it I agreed because all the smartphones with styluses back then had horrible OS with tiny UI. The "finger friendly" UI and display of the iPhone was so much better. Just not for writing/drawing.

I would never ever want to go back to an OS and screen technology that require a stylus to use the device.
But I would like a stylus for handwriting, as a special tool. Back then it was all or nothing.. Now we can chose :)
 
That seems to target a very niche market (i.e. artists). And aren't' there already bluetooth pens available with decent resolution already?

The stylus' on the market haven't been that great. Until VERY recently they were all these big horkin' things with massive nibs. Not very conducive to detailed work. The latest Jot seems doable but support between apps is hit and miss. The thought is if Apple comes out with a stylus then people will make it (or another stylus) compatible across all programs.

I know I keep posting it but many of us need a portable digital APPLE drawing device. There is no such animal outside of a really expensive modbook.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.